Neanderthal cave art Today's news is all over the spectrum regarding the past, the present and the future. Rapid fluctuations in climate may have produced bigger brains in our ancestors, deep seas creatures are getting bigger, and according to Stephan Hawking, human survival may depend on space travel. All are adjustments to Earth's environment.
But what of the differing roles between men and women in the planet's past? Surely women were equal partners in our ancient cousins. Well, studies suggest women were expected to hunt alongside men to get food.
Huh! Despite their smaller size, the female of the species held her own.
But it looks as if household chores played a big part for them too, similar to women's complaints now. Female Neanderthals had tasks like the preparation of furs, stitching, and the elaboration of garments.
Did the men sit back with their feet up after the hunt? Nope. Researchers state that the retouching of the edges of stone tools seems to have been a male task. That's fair. Both hunted, and both worked on separate activities which would ensure their comfort and survival.
But what of the differing roles between men and women in the planet's past? Surely women were equal partners in our ancient cousins. Well, studies suggest women were expected to hunt alongside men to get food.
Huh! Despite their smaller size, the female of the species held her own.
But it looks as if household chores played a big part for them too, similar to women's complaints now. Female Neanderthals had tasks like the preparation of furs, stitching, and the elaboration of garments.
Did the men sit back with their feet up after the hunt? Nope. Researchers state that the retouching of the edges of stone tools seems to have been a male task. That's fair. Both hunted, and both worked on separate activities which would ensure their comfort and survival.
All this comes from the study of the grooves in our ancient cousin's teeth. Scientists at Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in Madrid analysed 99 incisors and canine teeth of 19 Neanderthals found at sites in Spain, France and Belgium. The fossils in Spain dated back 100,000 years, in France 50,000 years, and in Belgium the ancient teeth were believed to be 44,000 years old.
Regardless of age, Neanderthals dental grooves pointed to the custom of using the mouth as a third hand, as in some current populations, for tasks such as preparing the furs or chopping meat.
But the study found similar grooves in all the female fossils of the same pattern. These were different to those found in male individuals, pointing to the way each sex used their teeth.
In England's modern society, men and women do equal work, but often women are paid less for the same job. At home, although women try to get me to help with the running of the house, their efforts are not wholly successful in some cases. I think that is because of women's ancient role in multitasking. The cave woman could look after they youngsters, cook, and chat to her friends all at the same time. Whereas men, with their so-called polar vision, concentrate on one task at a time (hunting).
My own household consists of equal partners now we're both retired. Earlier, my husband took over all the chores because of my walking disability. Now, as his own illness progresses, he's too weak to do most of the cooking and he does no cleaning. The best he can manage to do is to hunt (collect food from the shop). I've stepped back into my cooking role. My effort doesn't compare to the wonderful, tasty meals he once prepared. Perhaps that doesn't matter because in the last few days, he's lost his normally healthy appetite. Simple meals appeal to him now, which is lucky because I've always cooked no-nonsense food. Now I'm wondering if my cooking skills have put him off his food. Talk about role reversal.
The past is tied up in the bones of our planet, the future is in doubt, and as to the present, this moment is the only reality. I'm doing the best I can. How about you?
Regardless of age, Neanderthals dental grooves pointed to the custom of using the mouth as a third hand, as in some current populations, for tasks such as preparing the furs or chopping meat.
But the study found similar grooves in all the female fossils of the same pattern. These were different to those found in male individuals, pointing to the way each sex used their teeth.
In England's modern society, men and women do equal work, but often women are paid less for the same job. At home, although women try to get me to help with the running of the house, their efforts are not wholly successful in some cases. I think that is because of women's ancient role in multitasking. The cave woman could look after they youngsters, cook, and chat to her friends all at the same time. Whereas men, with their so-called polar vision, concentrate on one task at a time (hunting).
My own household consists of equal partners now we're both retired. Earlier, my husband took over all the chores because of my walking disability. Now, as his own illness progresses, he's too weak to do most of the cooking and he does no cleaning. The best he can manage to do is to hunt (collect food from the shop). I've stepped back into my cooking role. My effort doesn't compare to the wonderful, tasty meals he once prepared. Perhaps that doesn't matter because in the last few days, he's lost his normally healthy appetite. Simple meals appeal to him now, which is lucky because I've always cooked no-nonsense food. Now I'm wondering if my cooking skills have put him off his food. Talk about role reversal.
The past is tied up in the bones of our planet, the future is in doubt, and as to the present, this moment is the only reality. I'm doing the best I can. How about you?
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